Across Minnesota, businesses and students joined forces to protest against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a demonstration that took place on March 1, 2024. This event was part of a larger movement calling for an economic and social blackout to spotlight the impact of federal immigration enforcement on local communities.
In Mankato, the owner of Wooden Spoon bakery, Natasha Frost, emphasized the challenges small businesses face in making tough decisions. “It’s really hard for small businesses to make this decision, and we are called to make this decision because the people in leadership are not making those choices for the good of our community,” she said. Wooden Spoon was the first of many establishments in the area to close in solidarity with the Day of Truth and Freedom protest, aligning with values that support immigrants, Indigenous people, and people of color.
This initiative quickly gained momentum, with various local businesses, including the Coffee Hag, Pulp Comics, and the Wine Cafe, either closing or adjusting their hours to support the cause. Frost noted that she collaborated with other business owners to discuss the implications of participating in the protest.
River Rock Coffee & Tea, with locations in Mankato and St. Peter, chose to remain open, explaining their rationale in a Facebook post. “We believe warmth, safety, and access to community matter—especially right now,” they stated. The café welcomed members of Indivisible, a social activism group, who provided resources and information to patrons during the protest.
The catalyst for this movement was the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2023. This incident galvanized community members across Minnesota, prompting numerous protests, including a significant gathering in St. Peter. On March 1, students and residents organized a demonstration led by the Environmental Action Coalition from Gustavus Adolphus College. Despite frigid temperatures, over 300 protesters filled Minnesota Square, advocating for an end to ICE’s operations in the state.
Soren Sackreter, one of the student organizers, expressed the need for local engagement. “As students, we were worried about not being able to get to the Cities. There’s a lot of students who don’t have cars, so we wanted to have something that was closer to home while still supporting the cause,” he explained.
Participants braved the harsh weather for about an hour, sharing hand warmers, hot chocolate, and hot dogs to keep spirits high. “There was a pretty incredible sense of community while we were there. You could tell everyone who showed up was there for the other people around them,” said organizer Tryg Emstad.
This protest followed a similar gathering at Minnesota State University, where students emphasized their role in social change. “We are the next group of people to step into a role as adults. It’s important for people to be motivated and knowledgeable about what’s going on in the world because we’re next. We can make a difference,” remarked Beckett Sherman.
Local businesses, including River Rock, played a crucial role by offering safe spaces for activists. “It’s really meaningful that businesses are making it clear that they care about this issue too,” said Laura Sunnarborg, highlighting the collective stance against ICE.
Frost, of Wooden Spoon, reinforced the importance of community engagement. “I appreciate when people have a thoughtful conversation with their team, have a show of solidarity for the public, and do what is in their ability to do,” she stated. She acknowledged that while some businesses chose not to participate, the overall response from local establishments indicated a strong commitment to supporting community initiatives.
As Minnesota residents continue to rally against ICE, the solidarity shown by both businesses and students reflects a growing movement dedicated to advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
